ON EQUAL PAY DAY, MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK

Jefferson City, MO – The Women’s Foundation’s public policy agenda addressing the gender pay gap in Missouri is gaining momentum as more legislators have expressed their public support for HB 44, filed by Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia). Women in Missouri make 71 cents to the dollar men make, according to a recent research study by the Women’s Foundation, and these bills would establish best practice guidelines towards solving this issue.

“Equal pay for equal work means a stronger economy for all Missourians,” said Rep. Webber. “It’s great to see bipartisan support for this commonsense legislation.”

“This bill allows men and women to come together to find solutions for Missouri’s pay gap problem,” said Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs).

A research study conducted by the Women’s Foundation, in partnership with the University of Missouri in 2014, showed women in Missouri make 29% less than men for the same work. HB 44 would establish best practice guidelines for businesses to utilize when addressing their gender pay gaps. The bill had its first hearing in March in front of the Committee for Workforce Standards and Development. Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation, was among several organizational and community leaders from across the state who testified in support of the HB 44. A copy of her testimony can be found here.

A similar bill, SB 144, sponsored by Sen. Paul LeVota (D-Independence) has also been filed in the Senate. This bill already received an initial hearing, at which the Women’s Foundation testified in support, and is scheduled to have another hearing today (Tuesday, April 14).